Mayurbhanj (SunstarTV Bureau): In an attempt to reduce malnutrition, Odisha Govt. has introduced a pilot project of adding fish products in the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) in Mayurbhanj district.
The Women and Child Development Department and World Fish on Tuesday signed a MoU in a virtual ceremony for inclusion of fish and fish-based products in the SNP for children (3 to 6 years), pregnant and nursing women and adolescent girls in 50 Anganwadi centres of Mayurbhanj.
It is a 5-year technical collaboration between the Department and World Fish. Based on the outcome of the pilot project, the initiative will be taken up to the next level, said an official.
The MoU aims to aid the training and empowering Mission Shakti Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) involved in nutrition-sensitive fish production systems in Gram Panchayat tanks, fish processing and market linkage.
WSHGs in the coastal fishing neighborhood will also be trained for seeking business opportunities in solar-dried fish and fish powder following food safety standards of the FSSAI.
Development Commissioner, Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that such innovation will go a long way in accelerating nutrition status in the state.
He hoped that it will not only make best use of locally available fisheries resource but will also economically empower women in the long run.
Gareth Johnstone, Director General of WorldFish, said that technical experts from WorldFish would support WSHGs in preparation of fish powder using hygienically solar fish driers on a pilot basis over next 6 months.
ICAR Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, an India research partner of WorldFish will supply the low-cost poly-house solar fish driers for this project.
